Trainer David Jolly has long-range plans to run Hancock Quality Bloodstock (FBAA) graduate Roccabascerana in the G1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m) on October 12.

The Adelaide gelding won by 6 lengths on debut at Morphettville in May and returned from a spell for another space job in the Barossa Fine Foods Hcp (1100m) on Saturday. ‘We have Melbourne ambitions for him,” Jolly said after the second runaway victory. “He’s been nominated for the Caulfield Guineas and we will give him every opportunity to get out to 1600m.”

Roccabascerana (3g Fighting Sun - Checklist by Reset) cost $10,000 when pin-hooked as a foal by Adrian Hancock on behalf of owner Nigel Atkins at the 2017 Inglis Great Southern Sale. When bidding stopped short of a $40,000 reserve at the 2018 Adelaide Magic Millions Yearling Sale, Atkins sent him to Jolly and kept a 10% share with a family of Italian-heritage clients.

They named him after the village where their nonna was born near Naples.

“He’s been very smart since the first day I sat on him,” jockey Todd Pannell said. “His form and work has been faultless. He had to step forward today and they tested him at top of the straight but he’s got a high-cruising speed and was just too good.

“He’s got a good action but got lost in front in the straight. He isn’t overly aggressive in the lead and will be at better chaser in future.”

Roccabascerana was catalogued by Stonehouse Thoroughbreds as a weanling and is from a winning half-sister to G2 MRC Autumn Classic winner Tally (Street Cry). Their USA-bred dam Itemize (Kris S.) won at Goodwood and Doncaster before arriving in Australia to claim a LR Winter Cup in Sydney.

Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) was formed in 1988 to maintain, improve and develop the standards, status and services of bloodstock agents throughout Australia. Its members operate with the utmost integrity and professionalism and are bound by the strict Industry Code of Conduct.